Install a Tank after an Oil Tank Removal in Putnam County NY?

Are you looking to install a new oil tank? This could be you are replacing the older one for a bigger one, or you are doing a new installation. Oil tanks are some of the most regulated installations by the authorities. This is understandable seeing as it is that an oil tank is a fire hazard, especially in a built-up residential area. The requirements to meet when doing a new oil tank installation and the costs involved will be higher than when doing a replacement unless you are moving the oil tank to a different part of the home.

Replacing an older tank

It is hard to assess the damage of an oil tank from the outside. Oil tanks older than 30 years should be thoroughly inspected by qualified experts from time to time. Oil tanks in damp areas can be susceptible to corrosion over the years which can lead to leaks.

Over time, water and other contaminants that settle at the bottom of the tank corrode the oil tank’s bottom. An oil tank with substantial corrosion should be replaced as soon as possible.

Newer tanks are double walled to prevent spills in case the first wall splits. The oil spills onto the hollow area between the two walls. For more protection, a leak alarm can be installed to sound off once oil is detected on the outer wall.

A further measure against a leak is having a composite FRP or concrete basin under the oil tank which can hold 50-100 gallons of oil. A fireproof alarm can be installed in this basin and hooked up to the central alarm for all round protection.

Guarding against oil leaks is important to avoid fire hazards and pollution. If oil leaks into the soil the subsequent soil remediation can get expensive. It typically costs $25,000-60,000.

Disposal

If you plan on replacing an old tank, one of the questions you will have to consider is what to do with your old oil tank along with the oil and sludge in the tank. An oil distribution company may offer to do the disposal at a cost. The charge is typical $200-300 to dispose of the old oil tank and $2-3 per gallon to dispose of the old oil and sludge. However, if you have given an oil company new business, you could negotiate to have them remove the old tank as part of the deal.

You can also contact scrap metal dealers oil tank removal. A dealer will be happy to take it free of charge. Older oil tanks were specially made of one thick wall of steel which can yield much scrap metal.

New oil tank installation

Preparing to install a new oil tank requires meeting the stringent conditions set out by the authorities. The State Fire Marshall has to do an inspection of the installation site before issuing out a permit. A licensed installer will then be required to do the installation. Some of the issues you have to clear before getting a permit include:

Drainage

The tank should be placed such that water and other corrosive elements do not collect at the base. This should be both outside and inside the tank. Water and other corrosives are heavier than oil and accumulate at the bottom. The oil tank legs are made 1-inch shorter on one side to have a pitch that allows water and other corrosives drain out by gravity.

Oil gauge

An oil tank must have a gauge to show the level of oil in the tank. If the gauge is mechanical and operates by means of a float, this float should not be in contact with the inside wall of the tank or oil lines.

Firomatic valve

This valve prevents oil from flowing in the suction pipe when there is excessive heat around it. This valve is installed on the suction line at the closest point to the tank. A firomatic valve will hold back oil, unlike other valves that have washers and gaskets that melt away in the event of a fire.

Access

The oil tank site must be accessible by vehicle so as to have easy filling and refilling of the tank without damage to other structures. The path to the oil tank must not go over sewer and power lines.

Underground water

An underground oil tank should be placed at least 50 meters away from a source of water, for example, a ground well.

When doing a replacement you could opt to buy a new tank or lease. In a lease agreement, the old tank is replaced with a new one that is then prorated over the years. This agreement is more affordable than a new purchase. The disadvantage is that you are tied to the dealer for the entire time.

A new oil tank of 200-300 gallons could cost upwards of $3,000 for all costs including oil lines and other accessories.